Give your little sweetheart a free healthy smile!

Many parents are not sure when to take their little one to the dentist. The American Dental Association recommends that all children visit the dentist’s office by their first birthday. There are many benefits that can be gained from bringing the children in at an early age. Unfortunately there is a lot of confusion on what will happen on the first visit and how much the child can really get out of the experience.

Baby teeth or primary teeth are very important. Usually a child gets his/her first teeth when they are between 6-10 months old, and the last baby tooth is lost between the ages of 10-12 years old. It is important then to take care of the baby teeth because they will be in the mouth a long time.

Strong healthy primary teeth help your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, smile and look attractive. These teeth also help shape your baby’s face and form.

The main threat to children’s teeth is caries or dental decay. Bacteria that grow in the mouth can attack the teeth’s enamel and create holes that look like little black dots at first. Parents or caregivers need to brush the child’s teeth at least twice a day to remove these harmful germs.

By scheduling a visit to the dentist early on you can build a positive relationship between your children and the dentist. In addition to checking for decay and other problems, your dentist will show you how to clean the children’s teeth everyday. The dentist or dental hygienist can also answer any questions you might have about bottle feeding, or many habits such as thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier, as well as identifying the need for fluoride. In many instances, the first dental visit is a “well-baby check-up” for the teeth.

During the first visit the dentist or dental hygienist will gently examine the child’s teeth and gums, checking for decay and other problems. If your child is comfortable we might be able to clean the teeth and do a fluoride treatment. At the SDA dental clinic we give every child we see a free toothbrush as well as stickers and floss. It is our desire to make the first dental experience as pleasant as possible. At the Seventh – day Adventist clinic we create a positive environment for the entire dental family and work within the child’s comfort level.

Parents can prepare the child by telling the child that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will help take care of their teeth. Talk about the visit in a positive, matter-of-fact way, as you would about any other important new experience, such as going to the library or grocery store. A visit to the dentist can be a pleasant adventure for your child.